The summer holidays are fast approaching and whilst I am still in denial about this fact I know I need to start mentally preparing. Currently we have no plans. Literally not one! It is going to be hard to fill 6 weeks with activities, not to mention expensive. With this in mind I thought it would be a good time to do a little hunting for the best cheap kids crafts on Pinterest I can do with the girls over the summer.

A Bit of Boredom…

6 weeks is a long time and there is no way I will be able to fill it all with fun things to do. Apart from the obvious fact that we have not won the lottery it is not possible to think up 6 weeks worth of things to fill a day from morning until night. Whilst there are plenty of fun days out for the family in the UK it is also possible to have lots of fun within your own house and garden. Don’t get me wrong, a Pinterest Mum I may well be but I actually hate doing crafts with the girls. I hate the mess they make and the fact that no matter what I try I will be clearing it all up on my own. They are not silly enough to fall for the ‘Fun Cleaning Up Game that Helps Mummy!’ I also believe a little boredom is good for kids. It can help the imagination flourish because who likes to be bored for too long?

Best Cheap Kids Crafts on Pinterest….

Most of the crafts I have found can be done inside on those invariably rainy summer days of the UK. Of course there is nothing stopping you taking the supplies needed outside and doing it all in the garden. If you use water based paints (which is always advised when kids are involved) then any mess will soon be washed away anyway.

Paper Rainbow Crafts

These super cute Rainbows that I found over on Easy Peasy and Fun are perfect to do with kids. Plus if crafts are your thing this website is a must visit. There is a wealth of fun things to make.

Equipment:

White Paper

Coloured Paper (Rainbow Pack)

Glue Stick

Scissors

Pen

Eye Stickers (optional)

Fire Breathing Dragons

I thought these Dragons would be a great one to include because you could use sheets of card or you could use the end of a toilet roll. Thats a proper Blue Peter moment right there!

Egg Carton Animals

As a baking obsessive I have plenty of egg cartons left over each week. I am very guilty of just throwing them away. To be honest I don’t really know what else to do with them. These Egg Carton Animals are one of the cutest way to combat all of that rubbish. At least for a little while.

Equipment:

Egg cartons

Paint (water based to be safe with little messy ones about)

Pom poms

Googly eyes

Pipe cleaners

Green craft foam

Scissors

Hot glue gun or PVA

Cereal Box Aquarium

I admit this one may not be for the novice parent crafter but I wanted to include it as, done well, it is most likely going to be the only craft that will be the easiest to display and the least likely to annoy you by being left on the floor. This Cereal Box Aquarium may also require quite a few supplies but it looks awesome!

Equipment:

1 large cereal box

Colored card

Shells

Sand

Green Pipe Cleaners

Googly Eyes

Turquoise Paint

Silver Paint

Stones

String

Hot glue gun or PVA

Scissors

Pineapple Pine Cones

We are not unfamiliar with pine cone crafts in our house but this is something we usually reserve for Christmas. However I have noticed loads of pine cones on our walks recently and these pineapple pine cones may be the perfect summer alternative.

Equipment:

Pinecones

Yellow Acrylic Paint

Paint Brush/Sponge

Green Card

Scissors

Small straw/ or any tool that will help you curl up the card.

Tape

Paper Plate Dream Catchers

These dream catchers looks really easy to make and they may not even make that much mess! Win, win! Ok, well you may have to leave the glitter out, but otherwise, it’s all good.

Equipment:

Paper plates

Wool

Crayons

Sequins

Glitter

Feathers

Beads

Glue

Scissors

Hole punch

I have a Pinterest Board dedicated to Kids Crafts where you can find the links and images for all of these crafts and lots more. Good luck to all the parents out there over the summer holidays. Just remember it will soon come to an end and if in doubt there is always wine!

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I'm Kirsty, a Mum to Ellie (5) and Trixie (3), blogging about our Eco Friendly, Foodie, Family Lifestyle.
On this blog you will find plenty of recipes from salads to cakes, as well on our latest tips to live a little more Eco friendly and tips to reduce household waste.
I am completely Pinterest and Instagram obsessed and find them great places for inspiration.